Burford's King Street Parkette

With 46 submissions received, we received an overwhelming response to the naming contest for Burford’s first town square. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share creative, thoughtful, and community inspired name ideas for this exciting new Burford space.

Following the submission period, all naming suggestions were reviewed by a committee made up of members of the public involved with Burford Connects along with County of Brant staff. Using a predetermined set of criteria, the committee carefully narrowed the list down to 5 final name options.

1. King Maple Gardens - Rooted in the historic names of the crossroads of King and Maple. This name anchors the square to its location while celebrating the heart of Burford, past and present.
2. Claremont Community Corner - An ode to the original name of Burford. Claremont was one of the historic names given to Burford, which was established in 1793 by first settler, Abraham Dayton. The village of Claremont was a major stop on the Detroit trail, an ancient indigenous route and military trail. The community corner will be a place for friends to meet and relax.
3. The Heart of the Village - Captures the small village vibe with a hometown feel for local residents. It is a welcoming place for visitors as they enter the village.
4. Burford Village Square - Representative of the 4 corners that the intersection is known as. Recognizes past and present businesses that have thrived in the village. A "town square" is an open, public space located at the heart of a town designed for gathering, socialization, and commerce. It acts as a central hub for community life, hosting events like markets and concerts while fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging. The name Burford was named after the town in Oxfordshire, England.
5. Burford Commons - Gives homage to the meaning of Burford. "Burh" - a fortified town or stronghold and "Ford" a river crossing, or in the case of Burford a creek. In history, "Commons" refers to lands or resources held jointly by a community where members held customary rights to graze livestock, gather wood, or fish. A "Commons" as a park is piece of open, publicly accessible land shared by a community for recreation. A Common often emphasizes shared stewardship, preserving natural landscapes, and providing space for community activities.

Vote for your favourite

We're inviting you to vote for your favourite through a public poll. *Voting closes Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

*Only one vote per person.

Once voting closes, staff will prepare a report to Council this July recommending the final name for approval as part of the County’s Parks Use Bylaw process.

This new community space has been shaped by community input from the very beginning, and we’re excited to continue that journey together.

A new community space is taking shape in the heart of Burford, and now the community has a chance to help name it!

Burford Connects, in partnership with the County of Brant, has launched a community naming contest for Burford’s first town square, located at the corner of King Street and Maple Avenue South as part of the broader Burford’s King Street Parkette project.

The new space has been designed through community input and will serve as a welcoming gathering place with greenspace, seating, shade features, accessibility improvements, and opportunities for community connection and events.

Now, residents are invited to help give the space a name that reflects Burford’s character and community spirit.

A great name might:

• Reflect Burford’s history or roots
• Celebrate community spirit
• Capture what Burford means to you
• Be something the community can be proud to share for generations

This initiative builds on the extensive community feedback already gathered through the parkette engagement process, where residents shared ideas to create a welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space in downtown Burford.

Submit your naming ideas to Burford Connects, here

Naming suggestions can also be emailed to parksandrec@brant.ca or submitted in-person at the main County of Brant Customer Service locations in Burford or Paris.

The naming contest closes May 18, 2026.

Voting on naming options will take place on on this page at the end of May.

Subscribe for email updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Based on your input, we created a refined concept that builds on what you liked about Concept 2 and incorporates the suggestions we heard.

Updates include:

• The shade structure has been moved to the rear of the site.
• The pedestrian kiosk is now closer to the sidewalk.
• Greenspace has been prioritized, with accessible pathways maintained.
• The location of the mural/public art has been adjusted to avoid blocking adjacent signage.
• Opportunities for a small play feature have been identified.

We also heard a desire for an alternative shade structure design. So we’ve created two versions of the refined concept. Option A and Option B, each with a different shade structure to choose from.

Have Your Say: Take the Follow-Up Survey

We’d love your input one more time!

Take a look at the refined concepts then vote for your preferred shade structure design and other details in our short follow-up survey.

The survey closes Friday, August 8, 2025.

Once we’ve gathered your feedback on the refined concept, the project will move into the detailed design phase, bringing us one step closer to a refreshed and welcoming space in the heart of Burford.

Construction is planned to roll out in two phases:

• Phase 1 will include the parking lot and hardscape elements (like walkways and paved areas), with work expected to begin in Fall 2025.
• Phase 2 will focus on the finishing touches, including site furnishings and plantings. Depending on how Phase 1 progresses and the weather, this phase will likely take place in late Fall 2025 or early Spring 2026.

Your voice is helping shape a community space that reflects what matters most to Burford. Thank you for being part of the process!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Burford King Street Parkette Open House on March 5, 2025, and to those who shared their thoughts online!

Following the Open House, we also posted two draft concept designs for the community to review and vote on. We received 41 survey responses, and 59% of participants chose Concept 2 as their preferred design.

But the feedback didn’t stop at just picking a favourite. Many of you shared helpful suggestions to improve the space — and we listened.

Key Themes From Your Feedback

• Move the pedestrian kiosk closer to the sidewalk to improve visibility and access.
• Relocate the shade structure to the back of the site to open up space for community events and gatherings.
• Maximize greenspace while maintaining accessibility was a high priority.
• Create a shade structure that reflects a small-town charm rather than a modern aesthetic.
• Add a small play element to better serve families and young children.

Review the complete Survey Responses Report.

What's for your favourite concept design?

Participate in the quick poll to choose between Concept 1 and Concept 2.

View the complete and detailed design concepts.

The poll closes on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Questions?

Have a question or comment about the new parkette? Let us know!

You're invited to the Open House

Bring a friend and speak to staff about the project, ask questions, and share your thoughts in person.

Local community groups have suggested things like:

• A multi-use shade structure
• Beautifying the park with additional gardens and trees
• Providing a social gathering space
• Public art displays and consideration of historical elements in the design
• An information board, possibly digital

Your input will help shape two concept designs for the new space that will be shared with you for further feedback. Let’s make this a space that truly reflects our community!

Questions?

Have a question or comment about the new parkette? Let us know!

Level of Engagement

For more information, please read the County of Brant's Community Engagement Framework.